Ringway Jacobs ITS design engineer Errol Allen (pictured below) found himself in the thick of things recently, narrowly averting what could have been a fatal incident.
Errol was working on ITS equipment upgrades in Saffron Walden High Street in Essex as an elderly lady in a mobility scooter began to turn into narrow George Street. As she did so, an articulated lorry began turning into the same street and for a horrible few moments, it looked like the old lady was going to be crushed.
Fortunately, Errol saw what was happening and sprang into action, creating enough of a noise and distraction to stop the lorry.
He said: 'All I recall was seeing a lady in a scooter in the corner of my eye, about to be crushed by one of the lorry’s rear axles that had mounted the pavement.
'I ran as fast as I could and shouted "Stop! Stop!" It seems to have worked as the driver immediately slammed on the brakes just in time to prevent disaster. Undoubtedly, my hi-vis PPE helped to grab the attention of the lorry driver.'
A passer-by caught Errol’s heroics on camera, stating, 'the man from Ringway Jacobs saved the day - he was a real hero!' and the story made its way into the local press.
'Working in live traffic has its risks and this means constant vigilance,' said Errol, adding, 'years of experience working in the highways industry has helped me a lot. I’ve developed an intrinsic attitude towards health and safety – not only for myself but also for others around me.
'I share and embrace Ringway Jacobs’ Health and Safety Policy. I believe in our "Think Safe, Home Safe" initiative. Our safety first approach certainly contributed to my response to the incident. It meant that we all went back home safely on the day.
'I am very pleased that I was in the right place at the right time to assist this lovely person from being hurt and to prevent what could have otherwise been a very serious incident.'
